PRESENTED BY

Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn.
A friendly invitation: If you’re heading to any of the events we mention, (or even ones we don’t) we’d love to hear about it! Snap a pic, share your experience, and tag us on social media—we might even feature you in a future issue! Let’s keep building this amazing community together. 🧡

In todays issue:

• 📜 Iowa Inauguration History

• 🎸 Hinterland Lineup

• 🏡 Market District Mania

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

Iowa and the Inauguration

Iowa’s Unique Contributions to Presidential Inaugurations

Iowa has played a surprising role in U.S. presidential inaugurations over the years. From an Iowan president to a musical maestro, let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane—no politics, just good ol’ Iowa pride.

1. The Iowan President: Herbert Hoover

In 1929, Herbert Hoover, born in West Branch, Iowa, became the first (and only) Iowan to ascend to the presidency. His inauguration on March 4, 1929, marked a proud moment for the state. Today, Hoover's legacy is preserved at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in his hometown.

2. Senator James Harlan and Abraham Lincoln

James Harlan, a U.S. Senator from Iowa and close ally of President Abraham Lincoln, was chosen to escort Lincoln during his first inauguration in 1861. Harlan's connection to Lincoln continued throughout the Civil War, and he later served as Secretary of the Interior.

3. Meredith Willson’s Musical Touch

Meredith Willson, the composer of the beloved musical The Music Man and an Iowa native, conducted the "Iowa Fight Song" during Dwight D. Eisenhower’s inauguration in 1953. This performance brought a piece of Iowa pride to the national stage.

Trivia Corner:

Question:
Which president was the first to be inaugurated on January 20 instead of March 4?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!)

PRESENTED BY: Dapper DJs

Looking to make your next event unforgettable? 🎶 Dapper DJs, led by Riley Schneekloth (a.k.a. DJ Riled Up), brings nearly a decade of experience and a reputation for creating memorable celebrations across Central Iowa. With sharp style and a focus on top-notch entertainment, they bring energy and expertise to every event.

Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering, or a milestone celebration, Dapper DJs deliver more than music—they set the vibe and keep the party going all night long. From dazzling lighting effects to seamless transitions, they ensure every detail is covered so you can relax and enjoy the moment.

📆 Book Dapper DJs today and turn your event into a memory that lasts a lifetime!
🗣️ Exclusive Offer for DSM at Dawn Readers! 🎉
Mention DSM at Dawn when booking with Dapper DJs to enjoy a 5% discount on their services.

THE ROUNDUP 🧵📱

Market District Makeover 🌆 

For anyone who is unaware, the Market District is the neighborhood south of East Village. At the moment, there isn’t much there, but that’s about to change as it’s set to welcome its first apartment complex, marking a significant milestone in the area's redevelopment. The project will bring 252 apartments to the district, aiming to create a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood with residential, retail, and public spaces. This development signals the continued transformation of the area into a thriving hub for urban living, offering modern amenities and contributing to Des Moines' downtown growth.

👉️ Full story here

We all love Casey’s… Wings?! 🍗 

Casey’s announced that they are testing new “made-to-order” wings in its Des Moines area stores. We all know and love their pizza (that shouldn’t be a controversial take, right? 😉), and I know I will give these a try. Here are the six flavors they are testing.

• Garlic Parmesan

• BBQ

• Sweet Chili

• Buffalo

• Mango Habanero

• Plain

👉️ Check of the story here

Hinterland Releases Lineup 🎙️ 

The lineup for the 2025 Hinterland Music Festival has been announced. This years event will take place in St. Charles the weekend of August 1-3.

👉️ Full lineup here

Around Town 🏙️📈

Spotlight on Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS)

This week, we’re shining a light on Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS), a cornerstone of care and compassion in Des Moines. As winter’s chill sets in, their work becomes even more critical to our community.

What They Do

CISS provides emergency shelter and support services to adults experiencing homelessness. Their mission is to transition individuals from homelessness to self-sufficiency, offering not only a warm place to sleep but also resources like:

• Hot meals served daily.

• Access to clothing, toiletries, and other necessities.

• Case management, counseling, and housing assistance.

• Workforce development programs to help clients gain sustainable employment.

Why They Do It

With over 1,000 individuals in Central Iowa experiencing homelessness, CISS believes that everyone deserves dignity, safety, and a chance to rebuild. Their work addresses not only immediate needs but also long-term challenges, breaking the cycle of homelessness through compassionate care and innovative solutions.

Why It Matters Now

The winter months are a particularly dangerous time for those without housing. Freezing temperatures and limited access to resources make shelter a matter of life and death. Right now, CISS is:

• Expanding shelter capacity to accommodate more people during extreme weather.

• Running their Blankets for Hope Drive, collecting blankets, coats, and warm clothing for distribution.

• Providing hot meals daily, which are especially vital during the cold season.

How You Can Help

1. Donate: Monetary contributions help CISS continue their essential programs.

2. Volunteer: Whether serving meals or sorting donations, your time can make a difference.

3. Contribute Supplies: Winter gear, hygiene products, and non-perishable food items are always in demand.

Visit centraliowashelter.org for more information on how to get involved.

WHAT TO DO 🚨🏁

Za Ga Zig Shrine Circus
Six amazing performances to celebrate 125 years of the Za Ga Zig Shrine.
📍 Jacobson Building - Iowa State Fairgrounds | Map
📆 Fri-Sun | 🕛️ Multiple show times
➡️ Tickets

Splurge: A Night of Wine, Chocolate, and Cheese
This annual event is back. Wine, Cheese, Chocolate, and Live Music. Add in a great venue and you have the recipe for a great night.
📍 West End Salvage | Map
📆 Sat/Sun | 🕛️ 6-9
➡️ Tickets

Iowa Bike Expo
One of the biggest one-day bike shows in the midwest. Join 5,000 of your closest friends shopping for destinations, gear, bikes, and more.
📍 Iowa Events Center | Map
📆 Saturday | 🕛️ 9-3

Kids Day of Science
All are welcome to the science lab for a day of fun and discovery. Suited for kids aged 3-10, STEAM STARZ and the Science Center are leading exciting, hands-on experiments designed to inspire young minds.
📍 Big Grove Brewery | Map
📆 Saturday | 🕛️ 1-3

RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party
It’s not the only way to find out the route, but Team Waldo is inviting everyone out to Exile to live stream the announcement. There will be music, raffle prizes, gifts, and a lot of fun.
📍 Exile Brewing Co. | Map
📆 Saturday | 🕛️ 6

WEATHER 🌞🌡️

Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Thursday

High 17 🌡️ Low 2 | 🌤️ | ❄️ 2%

Friday

High 30 🌡️ Low 23 | ☁️ | 💧 2%

Saturday

High 36 🌡️ Low 13 | 🌥️ | 💧 6%

Sunday

High 30 🌡️ Low 18 | 🌤️ | 💧 2%

MUSIC SCENE 🎶🎤

Thursday

Chip Albright | 7 | HiFi Brew Lounge
Jordan Beem | 7:30 | Chandelier

Friday

Dan Trilk | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Triple Elvis | 6:30 | Lefty’s Live Music
Brother Trucker | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Thankful Band | 7 | The Cave
Smells Like Nirvana | 8 | Wooly’s
Ruthless County | 8 | Chandelier
After Shock | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Recoil | 8 | Doc’s Lounge

Saturday

Silversonic | 5 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Luke Fox | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Dead of Winter | 8 | xBk Live
Taebo Tha Truth | 8 | Lefty’s Live Music
CeCe Stewart | 8 | The Regal Beagle
40 Oz To Freedom | 8:30 | Wooly’s

Sunday

Heath Alan | 1 & 3 | Des Moines Botanical Center
Dylan Le Blanc and David Ramirez | 7 | xBk Live

SPORTS 🏈🏅

College Basketball 🏀 

College basketball season is underway. We’ll have more as our local teams get into conference play closer to the new year, but here’s a quick update on each program.

• Drake Men 🐶 @ Missouri State | 📆 1/25 | 🕛️ 3 | Record: 17-2 (7-2)

• Drake Women 🐶 @ Missouri State | 📆 1/24 | 🕛️ 6:30 | Record: 11-7 (5-2)

• Iowa Men 🦅 VS Penn State | 📆 1/24 | 🕛️ 8 | Record: 12-7 (3-5)

• Iowa Women 🦅 VS Northwestern | 📆 1/28 | 🕛️ 7 | Record: 13-7 (3-6)

• #3 Iowa State Men 🌪️ @ Arizona State | 📆 1/25 | 🕛️ 1 | Record: 16-2 (6-1)

• Iowa State Women 🌪️ VS UCF | 📆 1/25 | 🕛️ 4 | Record: 14-7 (5-3)

• UNI Men 🐆 @ Indiana State | 📆 1/25 | 🕛️ 12 | Record: 12-8 (6-3)

• UNI Women 🐆 @ Southern Illinois | 📆 1/24 | 🕛️ 6 | Record: 9-9 (4-3)

Hockey 🏒 

Bucs | 16-17 (7th place - Western Conference)

• VS Lincoln Stars | 📆 1/24 | 🕛️ 7

• @ Sioux City Musketeers | 📆 1/25 | 🕛️ 6:05

• @ Cedar Rapids RoughRiders | 📆 1/26 | 🕛️ 4:05

Iowa Wild | 14-21 (6th place - Central Division)

• VS Texas Stars | 📆 1/25 | 🕛️ 6 🤠 Country Night

• VS Texas Stars | 📆 1/26 | 🕛️ 3 🧒 Kids Takeover Day

G League 🏀 

Iowa Wolves | 2-7 (14th place - Western Conference)

• VS Valley Suns | 📆 1/23 | 🕛️ 6:30

• VS Valley Suns | 📆 1/24 | 🕛️ 6:30

• @ Westchester Knicks | 📆 1/27 | 🕛️ 6

Trivia Corner:

Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt (2nd Term) in 1937.

THANK YOU! 🙌 

Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.

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P.S. If you, or anyone you know, would like to sponsor a future edition of The Dawn, please contact me at [email protected] or respond directly to this email.